Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Etching on paper. 1985.
Signature: 17/40 “Mäng” (söövitus) / VTolli 1985

In 1985, the grand old lady of Estonian graphic arts, Vive Tolli (1928-2020), created a graphic booklet with oriental influences called “Game”, which was followed a year later by “The second game” in the same style. Tolli always liked Japanese aesthetic culture, and this sympathy is also felt in her drawings of the 1980s.

“Game” continues the theatrical theme that appeared in her work in the early 1970s. The main character, dressed in a magnificent and festive Japanese robe, dominates the foreground but as a mystical shadow, Tolli has placed another figure behind the woman, who, as a sign of oriental balance, keeps the woman away from evil.

Text: Katre Palm